THE risk of house fires will be increased as a result of the public ban on smoking because people will smoke more at home, a new report warned today.

Research for insurance firm Direct Line showed that one in 10 smokers will light up more often in their home because of the ban already in force in Scotland and Wales, which comes into effect in England in July.

A survey of more than 500 smokers also showed that one in 10 did not have a smoke alarm fitted in their house.

Direct Line estimated that increased smoking at home will lead to scores more house fires every year.

Cigarettes are the main cause of accidental fatal fires in the home, causing 60 house blazes a week, said the report.

'Care'

Adair Lewis, of the Fire Protection Association, who assisted Direct Line with the research, said: "The smoking ban will drive social smoking into people's homes, so we join Direct Line in urging smokers to take great care when lighting up at home, especially late at night.

"Smoking should be undertaken safely and with caution, and you should never smoke in bed."

Andrew Lowe, Direct Line's head of home insurance, added: "We welcome the ban on public smoking and appreciate the positive effects it will have nationwide. However, we want to warn smokers over the dangers they and their homes face."